Re: WNC NFA Trust ( Need some help )
If you haven't tried to get your CLEO do an individual transfer yet, I would suggest attempting that route first.
The whole NFA trust thing in NC gets sticky.
This topic always seems to get folks panties twisted, but I feel that the information is worth passing along.
I posted this on another site a while back:
http://www.silencertalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=68037
In response to this post:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I currently own 1 Suppressor. So I need to re-register it in North Carolina...
Can anyone help me with what I need to do?...
I live in Buncombe Co. I would like to purchase 2 additional suppressors. Does anyone have experiences with The Buncombe Co. Sherriff?
-or-
Should I have a living Trust drawn up? I think this actually might be easier. Does anyone have experience with a good Lawyer that is familiar with NFA verbage for a living trust?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.</div></div>
The reason that some are scared of an NFA Trust in NC is because the "SPECIAL DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL" JOHN J. ALDRIDGE, III
has stated on numerous occasions that his opinion of the NC statute is that Trusts are not a valid alternative to CLEO sign off.
He also has stated that he plans on having the statute clarified to reflect this.
Additionally, every time he speaks to members of the NC Sheriffs association, he encourages them to NOT sign any NFA packages.
http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/ncnfada/
Before anyone starts beating their chest on this, I do not have any opinion on this.
I personally do individual Form 1 & Form 4s.
I have now heard the exact same information regarding John Aldridge from 4 separate unrelated LEO sources.
I realize that a district attorney does not have any legislative power, I'm just repeating what I've heard.
Here is the real irony, John Aldridge is big into Three Gun & USPSA shooting.
He just doesn't believe that civilians should be able to play with NFA items.
A good friend of mine gave me some very good advise prior to getting into the NFA game.
He suggested this approach to me and I sure am glad he did.
Ended up getting to know my Sherriff pretty well and now every time I need a CLEO sign off, I need to allow an hour or two to account for conversation.
Approach the CLEO sign off like a job interview.
- Have all of your paperwork complete and ready to sign with signature flags.
- Learn all State and Local laws regarding NFA stuff and bring copies of them with you.
- Make an appointment to see him, but be vague with the purpose.
- Dress nice and be courteous.
- Explain the NFA process to him and honestly convey why you want the items.
(If you want them just to collect and have fun, then tell him that.)
- Be sure to tell him that the purpose for his signature is to ensure that it is legal for you to posses, not a personal endorsement.
Whatever you do, do not say "If you don't sign I'll just go around you via a Trust."
Not a good way to make friends.
Many NC Sheriffs interpret the NC statute to require that you either have a valid business to fulfill the "Research & Development" purpose or a C&R FFL to fulfill the "Validly Licensed Collector" purpose.
Having a C&R FFL is inexpensive ($30 for three years) and also has numerous other benefits such as dealer pricing from Midway USA.
One other thing that is good policy too.
It is bad form to post up Sheriffs names that are willing to sign off.
That is a good way to have a willing Sheriff turn into an unwilling Sheriff.
All it would take would be for one person to say "I read online that you sign off on NFA items."
What would help clarify things greatly would be a "Shall Sign" statute on the books like Tennessee has so that ownership of NFA items isn't at the discretion of the CLEO.
If you already own the items though, don't you just have to complete the ATF Form 5320.20?
http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-5320-20.pdf
("Permanent change of address" is listed as an example of a reason on the form.)
I don't think that you have to get sign off or anything else like that.
In fact, you don't even have to mail the form.
You could just fax it to them.
Give the BATF a call just to be sure though...
BATF NFA Branch (304) 616-4500
Anyhow, that is how the whole NFA thing plays out in NC.